Lifestyle habits are influenced by structures, environments and contexts. The health of individuals is also affected by lifestyle habits. Adopting healthy behaviours will thus promote better health. Here are some of the results from the 2015 Regional Health Survey (RHS) with regard to physical activity, the amount of time spent in front of a screen and smoking.

Physical activity has several benefits for physical and mental health [Government of Quebec, 2016]. As shown in Figure 1, three-quarters (73%) of children are considered to be active. This proportion goes down to 64% for adolescents and 57% for adults. Lastly, 38% of elders are active.

The amount of time spent in front of a screen is an indicator of sedentariness. Indeed, access to technologies does not have just positive aspects. It is known that the more time people spend sitting in front of a screen, the more they are at risk of gaining weight [INSPQ, 2016]. Figure 2 indicates the average number of hours spent in front of a screen for each age group. The grey line in this figure represents the recommendations according to health professionals in Quebec and Canada [INSPQ, 2016]. It is worrying to note that all the age categories exceed the recommendations, particularly the 0-2 year-olds.

It is recognized in the literature that smoking affects the health, well-being and life expectancy of smokers (Government of Quebec, 2017). Figure 3 presents the proportion of smokers 12 years of age and older. The results indicate that between 2008 and 2015, the proportion of smokers aged 12 and older decreased. We see that the proportion of daily smokers aged 12 and older went down from 42% in 2008 to 28% in 2015. Furthermore, the proportion of occasional smokers fell from 13% in 2008 to 9% in 2015.

We can provide you with assistance if you wish to take a more in-depth look at the results of the RHS and healthy lifestyle habits or other themes according to your needs from the community perspective.

For more information, please contact Joannie Gray Roussel, Support Agent – Research and Evaluation, at 418-842‑1540 (ext. 2509).